NEW plans to build a £105 million waste energy plant on Portland have been revealed.

The proposed Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) would be built at Portland Port and, according to Powerfuel Portland, the company behind the plans, would use household rubbish as fuel to generate 15 megawatts of energy - enough to power around 30,000 homes per year.

Powerfuel Portland, a company based in Bridport, says the facility will produce electricity and hot water by incinerating waste – but using new, clean technology.

"This is not an old school, mass burn incinerator," said Giles Frampton, director of Powerfuel.

"Technology has moved on considerably over recent years and our Energy Recovery Facility is cleaner, more efficient and capable of using waste as a fuel to generate low carbon energy."

Mr Frampton, who is from Beaminster, said the plant will help solve the issue of Dorset exporting its waste out of the county to be treated or sent to landfill, 'at significant cost.'

According to Powerfuel, Portland's current grid supply is struggling to keep up with demand, which is a barrier to economic growth.

"A great deal of work has already gone into the development proposals," Mr Frampton added.

"I see this as a fantastic project that will help solve several key issues for the county, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions, provide local employment and help Portland to attract new businesses."

The company hopes that the facility will provide around 350 construction jobs, around 30 long-term, permanent jobs and up to 45 indirect jobs.

Giles Frampton – who says he is 'passionate' about the county – said the company is keen to answer any questions residents have at a public event being held on Portland.

They are currently consulting with residents and businesses to inform them of the plans and gain feedback, and aim to submit a planning application to Dorset Council next year.

"Given the nature of the project and its location we are performing a detailed environmental impact assessment and that means the planning process is longer than normal so there will be ample time for people to gain an understanding of the technology and provide comments," Mr Frampton said.

Planning permission has already been granted for a waste facility at the brownfield site. As previously reported, a £35 million palm oil power plant was given approval in 2010, amid national outcry when protesters from around the country joined local families to oppose the plant.

The company behind that proposal was W4B Portland, however it abandoned the plans due to the high cost of palm oil.

According to Powerfuel Portland, the facility they are proposing can produce low carbon energy 'much more cleanly and efficiently' than the previously proposed scheme, thanks to new technology.

Bill Reeves, CEO of Portland Harbour Authority said: "This is great news for Portland as it will provide additional employment and energy resilience."

Residents can find out more about the plans at a drop-in event being held at Portland Community Venue in Fortuneswell on Thursday, December 5 from 2pm to 7pm.

POWERFUEL Ltd is a development company set up by Giles Frampton and business partner Steven McNab, an experienced lawyer specialising in Renewables, Environment and Planning matters.

Mr Frampton said the pair have 'considerable experience' of developing large-scale renewable projects in the UK and overseas, and are both dedicated to delivering good quality low carbon projects.

"We are both dedicated to delivering good quality low carbon projects with best in class technologies to assist the generational struggle against climate change and deal with other environmental challenges," Mr Frampton said.

To find out more about the project visit www.powerfuelportland.co.uk